How to choose the right machine for indoor print

With interior print one of the stand-out growth areas of the industry in recent years, it is crucial printing companies select the right equipment to achieve the best quality results. Here, Rob Fletcher picks out some of the machines best suited to this work.

Interior print comes in many shapes and sizes. From smaller pieces such as cushion covers and pillowcases, to larger applications including wallpapers and wall and floor graphics, interior print work is in plentiful supply.

One of the main challenges for print companies in this sector is ensuring quality. While outdoor work does not require quite as high-quality print, when it comes to working indoors, especially with those pieces that feature more intricate designs (think artistic wallpaper and similar applications), then attention to detail is key.

With this in mind, we take a look at some of the printing technology that is suitable for producing a wide range of interior print jobs, the companies that have benefited from new investment and how this has helped open doors to more work for them.

Educating the next generation

One machine of note is the Mimaki CJV150-130, a vinyl printer/cutter that has a top printing speed of 56.2sq m/hr and production speed of 11.1sq m/hr. It can print at resolutions as high as 1440dpi and print and cut at widths of up to 1.36m, which, coupled with its ability to print onto a wide range of materials, allows users to take on all manner of work in the interiors market.

One company that can attest to the qualities of this machine is the Reprographics Centre, part of the Estates Division at the University of Cambridge. The unit produces print and photocopies for the central University Divisions and Departments, but also for colleges, students, student societies, private customers and small businesses.

It took on the new Mimaki CJV150-130 in response to demand for more wide-format work, a large portion of which is for use indoors. Keen to invest in a new printer that ran non-water-soluble inks, it settled on the Mimaki device, purchasing the machine from distributor Soyang Hardware earlier this year.
 
“Since the machine was installed in March, we haven’t stopped using it,” said Nik Palmer, reprographics manager for The Reprographics Centre. “Demand for wide-format printing is ever increasing and we took delivery of the new Mimaki at just the right time.

“We can now offer more robust prints and print on a greater variety of media; going forward, we are looking to increase the range of applications that we can produce.”

Supporting expansion and growth

Another option for print companies in this market is the HP Latex 2700W, which can print on media up to 3.2m wide and on rolls as heavy as 300kg. Crucially for the indoor print sector, it has top print resolutions of 1200dpi and runs white ink, allowing users to add that extra special finish to pieces that will catch the eye inside many environments.

Eastern Exhibition & Display purchased its new HP Latex 2700W in April

Edinburgh-based display, graphics and exhibitions solutions provider Eastern Exhibition & Display recently took on a new HP Latex 2700W to support its growth plans across several markets, including large-format wallpaper and interior design.

Speaking about the investment, which was completed in April of this year, Shevy Kapoor, managing director of Eastern Exhibition & Display, commented: “The machine will support our growth plans in the vehicle wrapping market and also provide seamless large-format wallpaper for our growing interior design projects.
 
“The decision to replace and upgrade our equipment is part of our commitment to efficiency, automation, and the ability to serve our existing clients while exploring new markets.”
 
Eastern is a long-term user of HP Latex technology. As to why it again opted for HP Latex, Shevy said while the quality of print played a major role in this decision, the sustainable aspects of HP Latex technology were also important. All HP Latex printers run water-based ink, which has less impact on the environment than solvent, eco-solvent and UV inks.
 
“The sustainability credentials of latex ink are important to us and our clients, who are now focusing on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) requirements more than ever before,” Shevy said.

Two printers are better than one

Two more machines that print companies may consider are the Canon Océ Colorado 1640 and SwissQPrint Nyala 4, both of which are operated by Cornwall-based wide-format print specialist Print 2 Media and were used in a recent interior graphics job.

Print 2 Media produces a wide range of interior work

Print 2 Media created a series of eye-catching and educational wall graphics for the local Mousehole School. Printing onto Drytac Polar Grip, Print 2 Media was able to use the two machines to produce three large maps; one of the area local to the school that highlighted nearby landmarks, another a UK map showing sites of interest and importance, and the third a world map with postcard pictures of famous sights. A fourth graphic was a timeline detailing major historic events.

“School customers are always the best,” Print 2 Media founder Glenn Wrigley said. “The teachers are so enthusiastic and happy to have such a useful teaching aid, and the children certainly let us know their thoughts. They are always so positive and take real pride in their new wall murals.”

Key features of the Canon Océ Colorado 1640 UVgel 64-inch roll-to-roll printer include a top speed of 57sq m/hr in production mode and 40sq m/hr in high quality mode. It operates in CMYK, has a maximum roll width of 1,625mm and can print on materials as thick as 0.8mm.

As for the SwissQPrint Nyala 4, this has an absolute top speed of 206sq m/hr, while for the more intricate pieces commonplace within interior design, quality mode top speed is 70sq m/hr and fine art 37sq m/hr. On top of this, it has a flatbed space measuring 3200m, x 2030mm, allowing users to take on larger projects.

These are just some of the many options available to printing companies. We have selected these in particular as the businesses using them have recently completed interior work and demonstrate the sort of demand for these types of projects. Consider what sort of work you want to offer or improve, and this will help guide you to the most effective solutions.

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